Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 24:36-43
And
Read John 20:19-20
How is this event connected to the previous study about the two traveling to Emmaus and when did it happen?
Who was present?
Apparently, the disciples were together on that first Sunday night of the resurrection. We'll find out later that Thomas was missing. But the men who had arrived from Emmaus were there and had given their report. There could have been other followers, since many times others are just assumed and not mentioned.
John records that the doors were locked for fear of the Jews. So how did Jesus get in?
He had a supernatural body! He simply appeared. He was no longer limited by earthly boundaries.
What did the disciples think?
Now, I think that all our scars and diseases and pain will be wiped away in our new bodies. Why do you think Jesus' resurrected body still had the scars from the crucifixion?
I think those scars are the source of our salvation and are reminders of the price He paid for our sins. I believe when we see Him in Heaven, He will still have the scars from the crucifixion – just because they are so precious. I also think the scars were necessary to proving his identity to His followers and others he appeared to.
Do you think Jesus was hungry?
I don't. I think He just wanted to prove that He wasn't a ghost. One of their beliefs was that ghosts could not eat or drink. And remember, sharing food is an intimate gesture of friendship. Our resurrection body is a real physical body. It can be seen and touched, and it processes food. I'm glad because I want to eat at God's banquet table when I get to Heaven!
Was Jesus patient with His disciple's unbelief?
How would you feel if you were in that room?
I think I would be hysterically shouting, “He's alive! He's alive! He's alive!”
Now, we have one more little detail to cover. I stated on Day 322 that John was using Roman time and that we would see another example of that later. Here it is.
Can you find it?
Re-Read John 20:19
The very first phrase is not in typical Jewish time, it is Roman time. In Jewish time, that Sunday evening would have been referred to as follows: The evening after the first day of the week. Because a new day started at sundown.
It's a tiny detail, but I want you to see that translating from ancient manuscripts to modern language is a very time-consuming (no pun intended) and labor-intensive activity. I'm very grateful for all the scholars who have dedicated their lives to bringing these texts to us. But as I've said in the past, I trust that God's Word is true and that every detail is accounted for!
And remember, the amazing thing is that 2000 years after being written, and copied, and translated, the Bible is still powerful and alive and penetrating to our hearts.
In His service, dale
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